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Caps add Belanger from Wild

by
Dan Rosen
/ NHL.com

FANTASY ANALYSIS

Belanger, 32, is an underappreciated fantasy player who can impress in short spurts, which is exactly what awaits in Washington's last 20 games. His best month this season was January, going 5-7-12 in 14 games. In Jason Chimera earlier this season, we saw what a hard-working forward can do in the Capitals' high-octane system, namely increase his production two-fold. Belanger (60, 13-22-35), who is seventh in the NHL in faceoff percentage (57.6), comes to Washington on a cold streak with 1-7-8 in his last 15 games, but his outlook is on the rise as he'll probably become the No. 3 center.

It'll be interesting to see how Boudreau uses this depth to his advantage. He has the option of moving Fleischmann back to the wing, though during the Capitals' winning streak he fit in as the second-line center between Alexander Semin and Brooks Laich.

Belanger also gives Boudreau a second option for defensive zone faceoffs. Steckel has proven to be one of the best at that craft, but Belanger can spell him. Boudreau coached Belanger when both were with the AHL's Lowell Lock Monsters from 1999-2001.

Earlier in the day the Capitals acquired Scott Walker from Carolina for a seventh-round pick.